The Four Temples surrounded Kyuden Seppun and were the heart of the Empire's religion. ^[1]

Contents 1 Greatest Temple 1.1 Construction 2 School 2.1 Tradition 3 History 3.1 Founding 3.2 Assaulted 3.3 Destroyed by Yogo Junzo's Army 3.4 Daigotsu's Attack 3.5 New Location and Renaming 4 Known Keepers 5 External Links 6 References

Greatest Temple Edit

The temples were once the most magnificent of all the temples in Rokugan, and were popular attractions for travelers. They guarded the Four Sacred Bells as well as many other relics, and were considered the voice of the Brotherhood in the court. Because the head monk of the Four Temples spoke for the entire Brotherhood, he was considered to be its leader. Traditionally the head monk espoused the belief that the world could only be improved by experiencing it, and monks of the Four Temples could often be seen throughout Rokugan, and often served as advisors to daimyo, governors and military leaders. ^{[2] [3]}

Construction Edit

Each temple was built on a foundation set with a cornerstone taken from the Hill of Otosan Uchi. On each was a carving of symbols, depicting one of the four most important lessons of Shinsei. They were built of marble, stone and wood and a huge ceramic bell on top of each entrance. Each bell was covered with inscriptions from the Tao, and the names of the temples: Daikandaiji, Yakushiji, Asukadera and Kawaradera. ^[4]

School Edit

The primary teachings and devotion of the Four Temples was the Tao of Shinsei, but things such as etiquette, juijutsu and courtier were also taught. ^[2]

Tradition Edit

The Four Temples held to mediation and study like most monastic sects, but also placed an emphasis upon interaction with the broader world around them. Seclusion could bring no positive change to the world and could be a selfish excuse for turning away from one’s fellow man. ^{[citation needed]}

History Edit

Founding Edit

Seppun, the first servant of the Kami, was the most dedicated to the ideals and words of Shinsei. She sponsored the first temples of the Tao, and once the Four Temples were created around Kyuden Seppun the influence and respect accorded the Tao began to increase. ^[5]

Assaulted Edit

The Maho-tsukai Kuni Wazinu, under the orders of Kuni Yori, used Crab forces to attack the temples, in an concealed attempt to taint the Chimes of Purity. Inside the temples he opened the Doom of Fu Leng, ^[6] the 11th Black Scroll, in the Month of the Ox of 1127. ^[7]

Destroyed by Yogo Junzo's Army Edit

In 1128 the Yogo Junzo's Army destroyed the Four Temples, while the mad shugenja was seeking the descendant of Shinsei, the Hooded Ronin. ^[8]

Daigotsu's Attack Edit

The temples were nearly completely destroyed by Daigotsu's attack of Otosan Uchi in 1159. Kyuden Seppun was rebuilt, but the monks decided to relocate, establishing a temple in Dragon, Unicorn and Crane lands as well as a temple in the new capital, Toshi Ranbo. ^[2]

New Location and Renaming Edit

Seppun Kiharu following the Fall of Otosan Uchi ordered the construction of a new temple outside the new capital Toshi Ranbo, and thousands of shrines around it, one for each fortune, greater or lesser. Following it's completion, Kiharu and his monks took up residence there along with some of members from the Order of the Four Temples, renaming themselves the Order of the Ten Thousand Temples, and Kiharu was made the leader. ^[9]

Known Keepers Edit

• Yoshun ^[10]
• Seppun Kiharu

External Links Edit

• The Seppun Temples (Fall of Otosan Uchi)

References

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